Barbarian bonanza for Springbok Women in Cape Town

Spectators to the sold-out Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test between the Springboks and All Blacks in Cape Town have received a bonus with the confirmation of a curtain-raiser between the Springbok Women and the world-famous and star-studded Barbarians Women.

This will result in a rugby bonanza of note on Saturday, 7 September at DHL Stadium, with the Springboks and Springbok Women sharing the big stage against highly rated opponents.

The match against the Baabaas will be part of the Springbok Women’s preparation for WXV 2, which kicks off later in September in Cape Town. It will be South Africa’s second clash against the invitational club in two years, having played the team in the famous black and white hooped jerseys in Cape Town last year as well.

That match, played at Athlone Stadium, delivered a 38-26 victory to the Barbarians, in an encounter full of highlights and spectacular tries.

SA Rugby's High-Performance Manager for Women’s Rugby, Lynne Cantwell, welcomed the return of the Baabaas to Cape Town, noting the importance of a healthy relationship between the Bok Women and the club.

“Any match against the Barbarians has a special feel to it and we are really honoured, privileged and massively thankful for their willingness to travel all the way to South Africa for this. Like last year, this will help us prepare for WXV and we are very pleased that they agreed to visit our shores again. To play them as a curtain-raiser to one of the biggest sporting events in Cape Town this year, when the Boks and All Blacks meet, is huge for both teams.

“We have not seen their squad, but we know it will be packed with international experience and class. Their presence will be a massive boost to the exposure of WXV 2 and DHL Stadium, where we start our campaign against Japan on 27 September.”

Mr John Spencer, President of Barbarian F.C., said: “We are delighted to be playing Springbok Women in Cape Town once again. It is a privilege to be invited back to Cape Town, playing in the magnificent DHL Stadium against a team who are fast becoming great rivals and friends of the Barbarians.”

Fiona Stockley, Barbarian F.C. and Women’s Team Manager, added: “Barbarian Women have demonstrated time and again the wonderful values of the Barbarians. Flair, courage, spirit and passion are deeply entrenched in the camps, which form close friendship between the stars of the women’s game.

“It has been a pleasure to see the team come to fruition and build year-on-year, and our rugby friendship with the Springboks has resulted in increasingly close matches and strong bonds.

“We are looking forward to confirming more star names as the match nears, and I can promise a stellar cast to take on the Springbok Women in Cape Town.”

All tickets secured for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between the Springboks and All Blacks will allow entry for this match and spectators are encouraged to come early and experience the thrills and spills women’s rugby has to offer.